Trump warns Iran football team of ‘safety risks’ ahead of 2026 World Cup; reverse on FIFA guarantees

Washington: US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning Thursday regarding the Iranian national football team, suggesting that their "life and safety" could be jeopardised should they participate in the upcoming World Cup in North America.

The president’s remarks on his Truth Social platform represent a shift in tone from just two days ago, when he reportedly assured FIFA President Gianni Infantino that the Iranian squad would be permitted to enter despite the widening Middle East conflict.

"The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," Trump wrote.

The regional war, which commenced following joint U.S.-Israeli military operations on Feb. 28, has cast significant doubt over Iran’s involvement in this summer’s tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA’s Stance and the Peace Prize

Infantino, the head of international football’s governing body, met with Trump at the White House earlier this week to discuss the "current situation in Iran." Following the meeting on Tuesday, Infantino stated that the president had confirmed the Iranian team's eligibility to compete on American soil.

The meeting highlighted the close relationship between the two leaders; in December, Infantino established a FIFA Peace Prize and selected Trump as its inaugural recipient. Infantino’s comments this week also marked the first time the FIFA chief has publicly acknowledged the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.

Asylum for Women’s Team Members

The president also addressed the plight of Iranian women’s football players currently in Australia for the Asian Cup. Five members of the squad sought asylum after expressing fears of domestic retaliation for refusing to sing the Iranian national anthem prior to a match.

Trump advocated for the players to be granted protection, and Australian authorities subsequently agreed to provide asylum to the five athletes who chose not to return to Iran.

With inputs from AFP